For incoming college freshmen, the days and weeks leading up to the start of college can be filled with excitement, but also some nervousness. Going to college and not knowing anyone on campus can be scary. However, there are ways to make friends before stepping on campus in the fall.

Here are some five tips on making friends before you start college in the fall:

1. Connect with your roommate. Sometimes during the summer, the housing office at your future college will send you information about your roommate, including a phone number and email address. Reach out to your future roommate to introduce yourself and start talking about your room. Since you will be spending so much time with your roommate in the future, don’t be shy. Connecting before move-in can make the transition much smoother and a little less awkward.
2. Connect on social media. Many colleges offer Facebook groups for incoming students. These groups allow students to connect with other new students and ask all of their questions before arriving on campus. If the college doesn’t have a new student group, search around for other groups on Facebook and other social media platforms. Join the big groups for all students, as well academic and extracurricular groups if available. Start interacting with others on the pages and groups and ask your questions. The interaction here could lead to a friendship in the future.
3. Connect with area alumni. If you know anyone who attends the college, including alumni from your high school, connect with them. They are a great resource because you already know them and they may be able to introduce you to other students in the area. If you know someone who knows someone who attends or will be attending the college in the future, ask for an introduction.
4. Attend a regional meet-up. Some colleges offer regional meetings for new students. If the college you will be attending has an opportunity like this, it is a great way to meet other students. Not only will you be able to possibly make friendships, you may meet a travel partner who could travel with you when coming home during breaks.
5. Participate in orientation. If new student organization is voluntary, consider attending. In addition to giving new students information about the college, other new students in the same situation as you (not know many people) will be there as well and will want to make friends.

Going away to college, especially when you don’t know anyone, can be scary. However, you will make friends! To make the transition to college a little less scary, try reaching out to students before walking on campus so you’ll have friends when you get there.

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